Diablo Dish: The Counter Heads to Pleasanton

A larger DeVino’s Pizza and Pasta is coming soon; Barranco in Lafayette is almost here; Momo’s and Chef Chevalier say adieu; Lucha Libre is taking over The Hive; and more food news.

By Clay Kallam

Published: 2017.08.16 07:00 AM

The Counter Moves to Pleasanton

The Counter, the popular burger hangout on North California Boulevard in Walnut Creek, will open its third East Bay restaurant in Pleasanton’s Stoneridge Shopping Center.

What makes The Counter so much fun is more than just the quality burgers—it’s that burger lovers get a blank slate to work from. Servers hand out a clipboard with a list of all the options to choose from, including everything from Korean chili aioli to a sunny-side up egg. And regulars still salivate over the sweet potato fries.

DeVino’s Pizza and Pasta Is Expanding

DeVino’s Pizza and Pasta, the popular Italian place at the corner at Taylor Boulevard and Morello Avenue in Pleasant Hill, is just weeks away from completing renovations and getting those pesky permits. The renovations include expanding into what used to be The Bridge Center’s space and adding a full bar.

Expect everything to be up and running within a month.

It Won’t Be Long Now —Barranco Is Just a Month Away

Downtown Lafayette will get a new restaurant in mid- to late-September, as Barranco—the latest in Carlos Altamirano’s Peruvian empire—will officially take over the old Baja Fresh space.

Those who’ve sampled Altamirano’s food at Parada in Walnut Creek (near the Pleasant Hill BART station) and Paradita Eatery at the Emeryville Public Market know just how good it is, and those who haven’t are in for a treat.

Momo’s and Philippe Chevalier Part Ways

After just three months, Philippe Chevalier is no longer running the kitchen at Momo’s in Walnut Creek. Chevalier’s time at Momo’s ended Saturday, and there’s no word yet as to why the chef and establishment have called it quits or who will step into Momo’s kitchen next. We’ll keep you posted.

Food Trucks Are Coming to Orinda

Taste of the World Market, a Walnut Creek–based food truck company, will be bringing its international cuisine to Orinda every Thursday, starting August 17 with the first Thursday Night Street Feast at the Orinda Community Center.

Not only will there be plenty of food options, but the 5 to 9 p.m. event will also feature live music, a beer and wine truck, and even a game of cornhole. The Thursday Night Street Feasts are scheduled to run through October.

A Slice of Lamorinda Arrives in Alamo

Lamorinda Pizza, which has survived and thrived in a competitive market since the 1990s, has opened its second restaurant in Alamo.

Expect the same focus on quality and customer service in the new place, even if there’s a little disconnect between the name and the location.

Lucha! + Calavera + Drake’s = Fun in Oakland

Lucha Libre—the Mexican wrestling cultural touchstone—will come to The Hive on Broadway from 2 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, August 20, but the day will feature more than just colorful masks and primal battles between good and evil.

Calavera will supply the food and Drake’s Dealership will provide the beer.

General admission tickets cost $25, and VIP tickets—which include the after party—cost $50.

Thistle Meats Partners with Hopscotch

Petaluma’s Thistle Meats, a whole-animal butcher shop that sources local grass-fed, pasture-raised meats, will now allow East Bay residents to savor the popular products. Customers can order from Thistle Meats and then, instead of driving to Petaluma, can stop by Uptown’s Hopscotch to pick up the food.

Options include beef, pork, lamb, chicken, charcuterie, sausage, and even specialty items such as bacon, whole rabbit, and duck. Pick-up in Oakland will be available Fridays and Saturdays for orders placed by Thursday at noon, so that weekend menu just got a lot easier to figure out.